This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Food Bank Departure Opens Opportunities

When a 20,000-square-foot business announces it’s leaving town, the news isn’t generally welcomed by civic officials, but recent word that the Connecticut Food Bank is planning to move its current 20,000-square-foot headquarters from East Haven to Wallingford in the near future has officials putting a glass is half-full perspective on the news.

“While it is regrettable that they are leaving,” said Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., “this will actually be an opportunity to get that property on the tax rolls, once they sell it.”

Since the Bradley Road business operates as a non-profit, East Haven receives no real estate, personal property, or vehicle taxes, noted Maturo.

The food bank headquarters is moving from 150 Bradley Road to Research Parkway in Wallingford. The new space is expected to double the square footage and triple the number of volunteers over time. Food bank officials expect the amount of food distribution to double within the next few years as well.

Officials said there was no other reason for moving except the need for more space.

While the Connecticut Food Bank is leaving, its role as a provider of low-cost food to local pantries will not change. The East Haven Food Pantry at Christ and the Epiphany Church, 39 Park Place, will continue to act as the town’s food distribution site for those in need. The East Haven Food Pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to

1 p.m.

Those in need may receive a three-day emergency food supply up to twice a month (they must show proof of residence). Donations are gladly accepted during the aforementioned hours by the 30 volunteers who operate the pantry; monetary donations are also welcomed. For more information, call 203-467-4668.

The Connecticut Food Bank was founded in 1982 and is the largest provider of charitable food assistance in the state, according to its website,www.ctfoodbank.org. It serves six of Connecticut’s eight counties.

The Connecticut Food Bank is the largest centralized source of emergency food in the state. It distributes 36 tons of food every business day through three warehouses in East Haven, Fairfield, and Waterbury and affiliated distribution centers in New London and Stamford.

The Food Bank distributes food and other resources to more than 650 member programs such as soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and low-income adult and child day programs in Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Windham counties. To donate or volunteer, call the food bank at 203-469-5000.